Chapter 1
The ultimate botanical survivalists
Chapter 2
The flying physics of the puffball
Chapter 3
From royal salads to bed-wetting teas
Chapter 4
Colonizing the globe on the Mayflower
Chapter 5
The high-tech future of the humble weed
Ch 5 · The high-tech future of the humble weed
futura The Russian dandelion, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, produces a sticky white root latex chemically identical to tropical tree rubber.
futura Continental successfully manufactured and tested tires made entirely from dandelion rubber.
Fun Fact
Tire tech: Bicycle tires made from dandelion rubber, branded under the name 'Taraxagum', are already commercially available for purchase today!
Glossary
rubber (noun)
A tough, elastic polymeric substance made from the latex of certain plants or produced synthetically. In 2018, Continental released commercial bicycle tires made from natural rubber extracted from Russian dandelion roots.
A tough, elastic polymeric substance made from the latex of certain plants or produced synthetically. In 2018, Continental released commercial bicycle tires made from natural rubber extracted from Russian dandelion roots.
Quiz
What sticky substance found in Russian dandelion roots can be processed into high-quality rubber?
Quiz
In which country was the rubber-producing Russian dandelion first discovered by scientists in 1930?
Quiz
How long does it take to harvest a field of rubber-producing dandelions compared to seven years for a rubber tree?
Quiz
Which major German tire manufacturer has successfully created and tested tires made from dandelion rubber?
Quiz
Why is the US military interested in sourcing natural rubber from domestic dandelion crops?
Quiz
Why must modern commercial aircraft tires be made of 100% natural rubber rather than synthetic petroleum rubber?